starting clamps vs parallel pliers

thought I will ask this again since I didn't hear anything last time.
I saw the use of some pretty vintage parallel pliers used in a YouTube vid demoing yusaki method.
I was wondering if there is difference in using the two? does a starting clamp grip the string better? thanks for any response.

Just got my starting clamp last week and I restrung mine over the weekend. What a difference! While I don't want to question there might be viable substitute, I just know having a starting clamp is a HUGE plus, especially for knots.

I'm not sure which video you were talking about but parallel pliers are not spring loaded so you have to supply the force. While you are starting your mains if you have one hand on the pliers holding the string it will be hard to start your mains. Maybe if you included the link to the video your were talking about it would make more sense.

A starting clamp is spring loaded so it is like a third hand holding your string. All Yusuki was trying to do is apply some back pressure on the anchor clamp while tensioning the the first main.

Wouldn't pliers damage the string excessively? I'd love to use some locking pliers from the hardware store for $5 but their grip would cut the string rather drastically. Maybe you could glue some fine-gauge sandpaper on the inside of the jaws..

Wouldn't pliers damage the string excessively? I'd love to use some locking pliers from the hardware store for $5 but their grip would cut the string rather drastically. Maybe you could glue some fine-gauge sandpaper on the inside of the jaws..

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When I started stringing, I got some vice grips and ground down the gripping surfaces so they were close to parallel. I never had problems with them slipping off the string, but a real starting clamp is faster, easier to use, and safer (grips better). I haven't used my vice grips since I got a starting clamp.